With the 4th falling on a Thursday this year, there's a good chance many people will make a long weekend out of it by taking Friday off as well so they can celebrate America with cook outs, other get-togethers, and of course fireworks. Most of which will include the opportunity to indulge in a few adult beverages, which is why the Indiana State Police (ISP) will be stepping up patrols across the state this weekend starting today.

According to the ISP, 1,623 crashes resulting in 396 injuries and six fatalities occurred throughout Indiana during the 4th of July holiday last year due to not only impaired driving, but distracted driving, and people not wearing their seat belts.

Troopers will be on the lookout for those drivers throughout the weekend and reminds you to make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly buckled up before traveling any distance, not to be distracted by your phone while driving, and of course if you have any alcohol to drink during your July 4th celebration, get a designated driver, call a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to get yourself home.

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